The German government has responded cautiously to President Donald Trump’s unexpected announcement of impending tariffs targeting Denmark, Germany and several other European nations, contingent upon a finalized agreement for the purchase of Greenland. While avoiding direct confrontation, Berlin signaled a coordinated European response is underway.
Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, in a statement released Saturday evening, confirmed the administration had “taken note” of Trump’s pronouncements, emphasizing ongoing “close consultation” with European partners. He added that joint decisions regarding appropriate reactions would be made “at the appropriate time.
The proposed tariffs, scheduled to take effect February 1st, will initially impose a 10% levy on goods originating from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. This figure is slated to escalate to 25% on June 1st, remaining in effect until a comprehensive agreement regarding the acquisition of Greenland is reached.
Trump’s move has drawn immediate criticism, not only for its blunt economic tactics but also for the apparent precedent it sets for leveraging trade policy to pursue geopolitical objectives. Analysts suggest the tariffs are a thinly veiled pressure tactic, designed to force Denmark into reconsidering its stance on the sale of Greenland, a proposal repeatedly rebuffed by the Danish government.
The escalation comes amidst already strained transatlantic relations, with ongoing disagreements over trade imbalances, defense spending and other key policy areas. While the German government’s initial response prioritized diplomatic restraint, the tariffs are likely to fuel further tensions and raise questions about the reliability of US trade practices within the European Union. The promise of escalating tariffs represents a significant departure from traditional diplomatic channels and has prompted concerns regarding the potential for broader trade wars and instability within the global economy. The swift coordination between European nations suggests a united front may be emerging to counter this aggressive maneuver by the US administration.